Dubai is taking a bold step toward integrating air mobility into its urban landscape by mandating rooftop access for air taxis in future buildings. This initiative, unveiled by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) at the Dubai Airshow 2025, is part of a broader strategy to make air taxis a practical and accessible mode of transportation for residents. Developers are now collaborating with the RTA during the early design stages of new projects to ensure seamless integration of vertiports into residential and commercial districts. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Dubai’s Public Transport Agency, emphasized the importance of embedding air mobility into the fabric of future communities, stating that most developers are eager to participate in this transformative phase. The first vertiport, located near Dubai International Airport, is already 60% complete and on track for completion by early 2026. By the time commercial services launch later that year, four vertiports are expected to be operational. Dubai recently conducted its first successful point-to-point air taxi test flight, marking a significant milestone in the city’s air mobility journey. Joby Aviation CEO JoeBen Bevirt envisions a future where vertiports are within walking distance of homes and workplaces, fundamentally reshaping urban design. Skyports CEO Duncan Walker highlighted Dubai’s role as a global model, noting that success in this dense and expensive real estate market could set a precedent for other cities worldwide. Community readiness and safety remain top priorities, with ongoing efforts to address public concerns about noise and safety through rigorous testing and awareness campaigns. Dubai aims to launch its first commercial air taxi operations by the end of 2026, gradually expanding into a citywide network. Bahrozyan reiterated the goal of making the service safe, quiet, and eventually affordable, underscoring the importance of early collaboration with developers to ensure accessibility.